Louisville basketball learned on Saturday night that it won't be considered for the nation's No. 1 recruit in the 2026 recruiting class. Tyran Stokes cut his list down from five to three, and the Cards and USC Trojans were eliminated as Kentucky, Oregon, and Kansas moved on to the final round.
Stokes is a hometown kid who was born and raised in the city of Louisville, leading many to believe he would be a hometown hero and commit to Louisville. The Cards had a dominant 67-percent chance of earning his commitment early in 2025, but after he signed with Nike and visted the other schools it became clear to Louisville fans that he wasn't going to be a Cardinal.
So, after the news broke that Louisville wasn't in his top five, while some may think the Louisville fans were crushed and upset, they were actually the opposite and lost no sleep over it.
Louisville basketball fans let it all out after Tyran Stokes recruiting update
Stokes is a high-flying 6-foot-7, 225-pound forward who has already won multiple gold medals with Team USA. He is an elite scorer and somebody who embodies the 502. However, the fans made it clear after he cut Louisville that the asking price for one freshman is just far too high. At the end of the day, Stokes didn't fit Louisville's system and Kelsey's style, and the fans trust Kelsey and are quickly moving on from the Louisville native.
Not a good fit. Trust PK!!
— John Gorges (@Gorges1John) November 1, 2025
Did we want him, yes. Am I glad we didn’t spend 4mil+ on a guy who really doesn’t fit in this scheme tho, yes.
— CardinalPulse (@CardinalPulse01) November 2, 2025
With what he’s asking I’d rather get 3 experienced players in the portal than 1 freshman. He can also quit all that 502 talk as well.
— Jeremy Mouser (@jmouser16) November 1, 2025
He doesn’t fit what pk wants. Also the asking price is a no no for us doesn’t matter if he’s from Louisville. Pk will do what he believes is best for the team.
— Cole (@c0le2cold_) November 2, 2025
Louisville fans are now making it clear that they are quickly moving on from the No. 1 recruit in the nation and showing interest in Deron Rippey Jr. and Marcus John, as evidenced by their comments. Rippey Jr. is the No. 1 point guard in the class and is ranked as a top 10 recruit. Louisville made his top 10 list in early September, but he hasn't heard much since.
As for Johnson, the Cards were one of 10 teams to reach out after he decommitted from Ohio State. Johnson is a top 30 recruit and the No. 3 point guard in the 2026 class. Louisville fans love an elite point guard, and both options would be perfect fits.
The fans are unfazed by Stokes' decision, and they made it clear they trust Kelsey and what he has planned. So, while they, of course, wanted the 5-star and the hometown recruit, they are quickly moving on.